Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Located in the state of New Jersey, Ridgewood is a medium-sized city with a population of 25,810 inhabitants. In Ridgewood, there are 4,495 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (76% White). Given that fact, Ridgewood could be considered less diverse than other cities. An important consideration when living in Ridgewood is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 39 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Ridgewood is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in New Jersey, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, health & safety, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Ridgewood and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Ridgewood to New Jersey and the national average.
The livability score in Ridgewood is 88/100 and the city is ranked in the 99th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Ridgewood could be a great choice! Ridgewood has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Ridgewood has higher than average rankings for the following: crime (A+) and housing (A).
Ridgewood has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Ridgewood has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.
Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Ridgewood gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 45 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Ridgewood has an unemployment rate of 2.1% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Ridgewood schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 81%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Ridgewood an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Ridgewood excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Ridgewood is actually affordable. The median home price for Ridgewood homes is $1,312,290, which is 136.2% higher than the New Jersey average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Ridgewood, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.9, which is 3.9% lower than the New Jersey average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Ridgewood | New Jersey | National |
| Average one way commute | 39min | 31min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 55.8% | 71.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.0% | 8.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 18.1% | 11.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.9% | 3.0% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 17.0% | 4.1% | 4.6% |
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